After first hour, Bay's Island falls flat

Rating: 6/10 (5 August 2005)

I came into the Island optimistic that it would be a fun thriller in the same vein as The Matrix or I, Robot, and for the first hour of the movie I was pleased. The movie weaves an interesting story as you begin to realize that Ewan and Scarlett are no more than clones of super rich people seeking immortality. However you begin to notice some of the movies drawbacks early. There is a shameful amount of product placement in this movie that made it difficult to really appreciate the story when there are giant brooding billboards behind the characters and the logos to their cars and clothes are easily visible. I found it hard to believe that the corporation would buy Aquafina water and Puma shoes for their clones. About an hour into the movie the movie changes pace from a clever thriller to a typical loud Michael Bay film. Once they escape the barracks in which they are kept they spend the next hour and a half of the movie running away through a city. Not only does this get boring but you begin to wonder, why are there 20 2005 Chryslers on the same street in 2020?. The movie's length and transition to an action film makes makes it come up short but will still be a worthy rent when your bored or during a thunderstorm.